COVID-19 - The “Proclamation of Emergency” signed by the Whatcom County Executive concerning COVID-19 remains in effect. 

Sever Weather Damage 21-18 Emergency Proclamation by the Governor:  Covers the severe wind and rainstorm event that began on November 12, 2021.  https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-18%20-%20Severe%20Weather%20Damage%20%28tmp%29.pdf

The Proclamation of Emergency for the November Flooding signed by the Whatcom County Exec remains in effect.  Also, individuals affected by the flood have until March 7, 2022 to register with FEMA.

UPDATE:  

The United States has announced that fully vaccinated, non-citizen travelers with appropriate documentation will be permitted to enter the United States for non-essential travel via land Ports Of Entry and ferry terminals starting on November 8, 2021 and has released this fact sheet to assist those entering the United States. https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/10/29/fact-sheet-guidance-travelers-enter-us-land-ports-entry-and-ferry-terminals.

Canada allows fully vaccinated Americans to visit Canada with these Canadian requirements:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/gbi-rgf-eng.html.

SR 20 Both Directions. Single-lane closure via a temporary signal on SR 20 between MP 113.7 and 114.  Also, SR-20 is closed for the season at MP 134/Ross Dam Trailhead on the west side of the Cascades and MP 178 Early Winters Campground on the east side of the Cascades.     

Inland Weather

We're going to have a mixed bag around the county today.  There will be mostly sunny skies in the southeastern part of the county (Newhalem) while the rest of us will be dealing with some partly to mostly cloudy skies. Highs today will reach into the mid to upper 40s for most places while Newhalem will be in the mid to upper 30s.  Other areas of the county will be in the upper 30s.  There could be some rain tonight around the county and a rain/'snow mixture in the foothills or upper elevations. The sun will break through clouds at times tomorrow  and then all areas will be mostly cloudy tomorrow night.  On Thursday there will be an increasing chance of rain and that wet weather looks to linger into the weekend.  Temperatures are still forecast to reach into the mid-40s with lows in the mid to upper 30s.  Don't be surprised if you experience a rain/snow mixture at higher elevations.

Rivers and Streams

We're gong to see a little "pop" in the river level from the rain beginning on Thursday but there will not be enough precipitation to cause the river level to rise much more than a foot or two and it is already running at lower levels.  

Whatcom County Coastal Weather

High pressure over the northeast Pacific will  maintain north to  northwest flow today with the strongest winds  over the outer  Coastal Waters. High pressure will nudge inland  Wednesday  through Friday for generally lighter offshore flow. The  flow  will turn more southerly on Saturday as a frontal system  moves  through.  Winds. Today:  NW wind 5 to 15 kt. Wind waves 2 ft or less. Tonight:   NW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming W 10 to 20 kt after  midnight. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A slight chance of rain after  midnight.  Tomorrow:  NW wind 10 to 20 kt becoming 5 to 15 kt in the afternoon.  Wind waves 1 to 3 ft. A slight chance of rain in the morning.   Tomorrow Night:  SW wind 5 to 15 kt becoming S after midnight. Wind  waves 2 ft or less. 

Tides
 

Emergency Management Tips and Reminders

Winter Travel

Winter travel can be extremely dangerous.  Cold temperatures, snow, ice are only a few of the hazards you can encounter when traveling in the the Winter.  Some of the things you should consider are as follows:

Have your car checked to make sure all parts are in good working order.  Tires should have good tread, all lights should be working, and windshield wipers should be changed if they do not provide a clean sweep of moisture on the windshield.

If there is snow on your vehicle, clean as much snow off your vehicle as possible.  Windows should be completely clean for maximum visibility.  Snow left on the hood of your vehicle can blow across your windshield and fog or cloud up inside due to the temperature change (another reason to clean all snow off your vehicle).  Headlights, brake lights, direction lights, etc. should all be clean again to make other drivers see you and know your intentions.

Make sure you have a Winter Safety Kit in you car that contains:  flashlight with extra batteries, cell phone and charger, extra blanket and clothes, high-energy food and water, games to keep children occupied, small shovel, sand or mat for traction if you encounter icy conditions, among other things deemed necessary.

If you are running your car to remain warm, remember to leave a window open to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide.

Before leaving on a trip, call ahead and let someone know the time you are departing and your route of travel.  Likewise, upon arrival at your destination, let contact know you have arrived.

COVID-19

Information concerning face coverings and other protective actions can be found on the Whatcom County Health Department Website.

These Daily Briefings on Incidents, Advisories, Watches and Warnings, current weather and Emergency Management tips are published Monday through Friday, as well as during times of increased awareness or actual events.